November 23, 2011

10:45 AM

Since 1914, Toy N Joy Makers has been providing toys for Portland children in need. It probably comes as no surprise that the need for donations - both toys and dollars - is urgent again this year.

Last December, toys were provided for 15,964 children - from almost 3,000 families - within Portland city limits. Dean Johnston, President of Toy N Joy Makers and Retired Portland Firefighter, expects that hundreds of additional families will ask for help this year.

Dependent solely on donations, Toy N Joy Makers will place collection boxes at each of the 30 Portland fire stations, community and holiday events.  Station locations can be accessed at http://www.portlandonline.com/fire/stations.

Citizens are encouraged to bring and drop off new and unused toys and sports equipment for kids of all ages at these collection boxes through December 23, 2011.  Donations can also be made at the Toy N Joy headquarters located at 5916 NE Going Street. 

Dollar donations are also appreciated, because Toy N Joy Makers can work directly with wholesalers to purchase toys at lower cost. Toy N Joy Makers is a charitable (501(c)(3)) organization, so donations are tax deductible. Fully 98 percent of donations go directly into providing toys for children; less than two percent goes to overhead.

Another way the public can contribute to Toy N Joy Makers is to volunteer. Toy N Joy Makers relies on volunteers to take calls from parents, input requests into the computer, restock shelves, and put orders together for pick up. The greatest need for volunteers is after Thanksgiving, Monday through Friday, up to the day before Christmas. People who want to volunteer should contact Toy N Joy Makers directly at info@toynjoymakers.org or 503-823-0922 during normal business hours.

Beginning November 21st, parents and legal guardians may request toys for children aged infant through age 13 by contacting the Toy N Joy Makers Client Request Line at 503-231-TOYS (8697). Requests for toys will ONLY be accepted through this number. This phone number experiences a high volume of calls during this time so callers should continue to call back often or early in the day.

For more information about the program, contact the Toy N Joy Makers by phone at 503-231-8697 or visit http://www.toynjoymakers.org/.